# Optical Engineering Technical Leader at Cisco

Cisco is hiring an Optical Engineering Technical Leader. It pays $172k-$245k a year and Level rates it Little AI ●○○○; you can [apply on Cisco](https://jobsbylevel.com/go/c5fbbe68-cbee-4639-8483-db22fdd65182?utm_medium=ai-agent).

AI Level 1, AI centrality 35 out of 100. Milpitas, California, US.

## Details

- Company: [Cisco](https://jobsbylevel.com/companies/cisco)
- AI level: AI Level 1 (score 35 out of 100)
- Location: Milpitas, California, US
- Salary: $172k-$245k
- Posted: November 13, 2026
- Apply: https://jobsbylevel.com/go/c5fbbe68-cbee-4639-8483-db22fdd65182?utm_medium=ai-agent
- Free CV review for this job: https://jobsbylevel.com/cv-review?job=optical-engineering-technical-leader-at-cisco-b524d4

## Description

The application window is expected to close on: 11/22/2026 Meet the Team Join a dynamic team dedicated to the development, qualification, manufacturing, and deployment of next-generation optical technologies for high-speed networking systems. We operate across both technology development and manufacturing execution, solving complex optical and high-speed signal integrity challenges. Our goal is to drive innovation in Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), Near-Packaged Optics (NPO), and silicon photonics to power the future of networking. Your Impact As an Optical Engineering Technical Leader, you will provide critical expertise in advancing our optical technology roadmap. You will develop strategies for system-level optical link validation and margin characterization, managing power and loss budgets. Your role involves defining technical requirements and tradeoffs for performance, power, thermal reliability, manufacturability, and cost in subsystems. You will work closely with contract manufacturers and optical suppliers to develop scalable manufacturing processes and drive the automation of optical and electrical measurements for high-volume manufacturing. Additionally, you will perform high-speed SerDes and electrical/optical link characterization to ensure optimal performance. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, a related field, or equivalent practical experience. 5+ years of experience in optical engineering, focusing on technology development and manufacturing execution. Demonstrated experience with Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), Near-Packaged Optics (NPO), optical engines, and silicon photonics. Advanced expertise in component-level testing of fiber harnesses, laser sources, and fiber attach/alignment. Strong understanding of 112G/224G/448G-class electrical and optical interfaces and evolving industry standards. Proven ability to develop test requirements covering optical power, wavelength, extinction ratio, BER, and receive sensitivity. Experienced in providing factory automation solution for related testing requirements Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Physics, or a related technical discipline. Experience working directly with contract manufacturers and optical suppliers to scale manufacturing processes. Proficiency in driving the automation of optical and electrical measurements for high-volume manufacturing environments. Deep knowledge of high-speed SerDes characterization and complex electrical/optical link integrity troubleshooting. Why Cisco? At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere. We are Cisco, and our power starts with you. Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada: The starting salary range posted for this position is $171,600.00 to $245,000.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below,

The description is cut here. Read the full offer: https://jobsbylevel.com/jobs/optical-engineering-technical-leader-at-cisco-b524d4

Source: https://jobsbylevel.com/jobs/optical-engineering-technical-leader-at-cisco-b524d4

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